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POPE-JOURNALISTS Apr-24-2005 (580 words) With photos. xxxi
Pope meets with journalists, thanks them for work during transition
By John Thavis
Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In his first major audience, a smiling Pope Benedict XVI met with 3,000 international journalists and thanked them for their work during the papal transition period.
The pope said that, like Pope John Paul II, he intended to use the modern media to dialogue with the world. He spoke comfortably in Italian, English, French and his native German during the April 23 audience.
The brevity and formality of the encounter signaled that Pope Benedict may adopt a different style of communicating than his predecessor.
Journalists applauded the pope warmly as he walked onto the stage of the Vatican audience hall and sat in the papal throne, waving and smiling broadly.
Pope Benedict told them they were crucial in letting the world share in Pope John Paul's final days and funeral and in his own election as pontiff.
"Thanks to all of you, these historically important ecclesial events have had worldwide coverage," Pope Benedict said.
"I know how hard you have worked, far away from your homes and families, for long hours and in sometimes difficult conditions. I am aware of the skill and dedication with which you have accomplished your demanding task," he said.
The audience recalled a similar meeting more than 26 years ago, when a newly elected Pope John Paul met with journalists soon after his election.
Unlike Pope John Paul, Pope Benedict took no questions from reporters and did not mingle with them after his talk. He greeted only a few bishops and priests individually -- instead of the hundreds of people who typically lined up to kiss the ring of Pope John Paul.
He closed the meeting by praying the Our Father. The whole encounter was over in 17 minutes.
The pope said the papal transition coverage illustrated the "marvelous and extraordinary" possibilities opened by modern means of communication.
He said he shared Pope John Paul's observation that modern media developments require the church to make pastoral and cultural changes in order to participate more fully in the global communications revolution.
"It is my desire to continue this fruitful dialogue," he said.
Pope Benedict underlined the church's teaching on journalistic responsibility, especially insofar as the media shape public opinion and individual attitudes.
"One cannot fail to underline the need for clear references to the ethical responsibility of those working in this field, especially regarding the sincere search for the truth and the protection of the centrality and dignity of the human person," he said.
Only in this way, he added, will the media "respond to the design of God, who placed them at our disposition."
Pope Benedict was welcomed by U.S. Archbishop John P. Foley, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, who noted that Pope John Paul's last document was on modern media and that it described the media as instruments of unity, peace and love.
"During this last month, we have seen how the communications media have truly served these ends, as more than a billion persons throughout the world have shared the experiences and sentiments of those in St. Peter's Square -- and have even had access to the Sistine Chapel as you celebrated your first Mass after your election as Pope Benedict XVI," Archbishop Foley said.
"We can be truly grateful that the communications media have fulfilled so well in these days their mission of service of the truth and of the good," he said.
END
Copyright (c) 2005 Catholic News Service/USCCB. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed.
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